Romeo and Juliet tops Liverpool Bard fest

Shakespeare Festival to take place in St George's Hall

ROMEO and Juliet is the highlight of this year’s Liverpool Shakespeare Festival, it was announced today.

Running from August 25 to September 11, the festival, now in its sixth year, will also feature a “unique twist” on Richard III.

A series of youth arts projects with Breathe, Wake, Belong will be showcased, in the form of three performances based on the history of gang culture in Liverpool during the 19th century Liverpool.

Concert RoomThe festival, organised by Lodestar Theatre, will all take place in the atmospheric surroundings of St George’s Hall, using its courts and its Small Concert Room.

Producer Simon Hedger said:“This year's festival is centred on how these amazing stories still say so much about our lives. We've used Romeo and Juliet as a starting point for a whole range of events across several mediums designed to showcase the amazing diversity of talent within the city. Shakespeare for the 21st century."

This year’s festival is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Foyle Foundation, Police Property Act, Awards for all, Eleanor Rathbone Foundation and the Arts Council.

Rachel Rae, from TV shows Misfits on Channel 4 and BBC Three’s Lunch Monkeys, takes on the role of Juliet.

Lodestar was launched in 2005 by LIPA teaching fellow Max Rubin. At the launch of the festival, in the Contemporary Urban Centre, he said: “Romeo and Juliet is the world’s greatest love story and we will use every secret corner of this unique performance space to create a truly unforgettable production.

There are plenty of other events too, from contemporary dance and verbatim theatre to something we’re calling ‘Combat Shakespeare’ – a performance of Richard III like no other.

"We’ve packed more Bard into this festival than ever before.”

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